On February 24, there was a report by Jane Slater of NFL Network that "everyone is on the same page" when it comes to the relationship between Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals.
Now, the Cardinals owner shares a similar sentiment on the Murray "controversy" and has his thoughts on February 25.
The owner speaks at the radio station
Murray's Instagram scrubbing after the Pro Bowl drew immediate attention to the NFL news world.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill spoke to Arizona Sports 98.7 and was asked by radio host Dan Bickley if he was in a really good place with Murray.
"I spoke to him last night. We've had a good conversation without stopping," Bidwill said on Bickle and Marotta. "I'm not a social media guy so I don't know the specifics of some things. I think there were a lot of interpretations around it that were inconsistent with not only the conversations I've had, but I know (coach Cliff Kingsbury) And General Manager Steve Chem) has done that. So there have been positive conversations that are going in the right direction. We know we have to get better."
The Cardinals issued a statement shortly after ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported on February 14. While Bidville told Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic that the team trusted Murray, he declined to comment further on the reports. But this is the first time Bidwill has publicly elaborated on his support for the young quarterback.
Bidwill noted having a good conversation with the 24-year-old, which matches Slater's report.
"They're having positive conversations that's going in the right direction. We know we have to get better. I know Kyler's statement, 'Love me or hate me' was his terms. Okay, Put me in the category I love him for, and I know he's going to get better."
"Put me in the category of I love him and I know he's going to get better." #AZCardinals Owner Michael Bidwill talking about QB Kyler Murray. #RedSea pic.twitter.com/JOzIbNRmuA
— 98.7 Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 25, 2022
Bidwill also touched on the fact that Murray is eligible for a potential contract extension. The number one overall pick of 2019 has finished three seasons in the league with a total of 70 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.
"These contracts, especially quarterback contracts, are very complex," Bidwill said. "Most of the big ones are done down the road (of the off-season). I think Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen were done in the summer, the others were done in the summer. So we have time."
Second position includes Pro Bowl edge rusher Chandler Jones, a future free agent. While the Cardinals cap position is in flux, Bidville remained confident in retaining the 31-year-old.
"We love Chandler (Chandler Jones) and would love to have him back," he said. "The devil is in the details and I'll leave it to work up to the representatives of Steve and Chandler."
Bidville Talks Kingsbury and Vardi
The Cardinals have dropped five of their last six matches after a 10-2 start in 2021. Coach Cliff Kingsbury has experienced defeat in the second half for three consecutive years. Nonetheless, Bidwill feels that Kingsbury has been exceptional in making the transition from college to professionals.
"I think he's just going to get better and better," Bidwill said.
Speculation is also rife over the long-awaited rebrand for the Cardinals. The team has not received a redesign since 2005. The 57-year-old offered some clues about possible changes in his thread.
"We look at all these things. You probably know, these things, there's a timeline to them. It takes time," Bidwill said. "In the array of things we see around the team, it's on the radar.